A patient is brought to the hospital unconscious and in critical condition. The hospital refused to evaluate the patient’s status because the patient could not sign the consent form. The patient’s family tries to take the patient to another hospital, but the patient unfortunately passes away before arriving at another hospital.

Another patient arrives at the hospital to have her intrathecal pump catheter revised. The patient was told that she would return home after the surgery. After the procedure, the surgeon informed the patient’s husband that the surgery went well and that he could see the patient soon. However, the patient experienced a decreased level of consciousness and suffered a seizure. An employee of Super Indiana Anesthesia, which provides anesthesia services to the hospital, was on call for anesthesia and responded to a page. The anesthesiologist then consulted with a neurologist whose wages were paid by Indiana Neurology & Sleep Sciences. It is unclear whether the patient or her husband knew the true employer of these physicians. The patient died later that morning. Her husband files a medical malpractice suit against the surgeon, the anesthesiologist , and the neurologist within the statute of limitations.

1. Did the hospital violate any laws with regard to the first patient? If so, explain why and what the hospital should have done.

2. Did the physicians commit malpractice or do they have any liability regarding the second patient's death? If facts are missing, mention the fact(s) you are assuming and continue the evaluation.

3. Is the hospital liable for the second patient’s death? Evaluate whether the hospital is liable for the actions of the physicians involved and explain something that the physicians or the hospital could have done to limit liability.